MG MGB GT

With us at RFH Classics we are delighted to offer this lovely 1978 (S) MGB GT, finished in Damask Red and complemented by a Grey Leather interior with Red piping and contrasting Red carpets. With a documented British Motor Heritage bodyshell restoration, Overdrive gearbox and an unusually comprehensive history file, this is a particularly well-documented example of one of Britain’s most popular classic GTs.

The car has just arrived back with us and is one we know particularly well, having previously sold it approximately two years ago. We are always pleased to see one of our previous cars return and, having now had the opportunity to see it again, it is particularly nice to find it presenting so well. What makes this particular GT especially interesting is its well-documented 2004 restoration. The car underwent a major rebuild by a recognised MG specialist for its then owner, Mr Roper, with the significant benefit of a new British Motor Heritage bodyshell being used as the basis of the restoration. The rebuild was completed with the mileage recorded at 71,680 miles.

Inside, the GT is set apart by its Grey Leather upholstery edged with contrasting Red piping, with Red carpeting providing a further contrast and neatly tying the interior back to the Damask Red bodywork. The combination works particularly well, giving the cabin a brighter and more individual feel than the more commonly encountered darker trim. Mechanically, the car retains the familiar 1798cc B-Series four-cylinder engine, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and Overdrive operating on 3rd and 4th gears. The combination of 2+2 accommodation, useful luggage space and an Overdrive gearbox continues to make the GT one of the more practical British classics for regular use.

With the odometer now showing a little over 97,600 miles, the car has covered only around 26,000 miles since the restoration was completed. Some 22 years later, the quality of that work is still evident, with the Damask Red bodywork presenting extremely well and displaying the clean panel fit and straight appearance you would hope to find on a car rebuilt around a Heritage bodyshell. The accompanying history file provides an unusually comprehensive contemporary record of the work. It includes the original 2004 build sheet detailing the work undertaken, restoration invoices totalling £13,270, the restorer’s own period brochure and the workshop tick sheet completed during the restoration. Together, these provide an excellent record of exactly what was undertaken.

Importantly, the history doesn’t end with the restoration. A detailed handwritten schedule covering maintenance from 2004 through to 2020 records continued mechanical attention including a replacement oil cooler, water pump, brake master cylinder, fuel pump, alternator, steering rack and track rod ends, radiator and associated cooling components. In 2019 the Overdrive solenoid was replaced, followed in 2020 by the fitment of electronic ignition, a new coil and relay. This is accompanied by a good selection of further servicing and maintenance invoices together with MOT certificates dating back to 2003, giving the next owner an excellent insight into the subsequent care the car has received.

Having sold the car previously, it’s particularly nice to welcome it back and find it presenting so well. The attractive Damask Red and Grey Leather colour combination, Overdrive gearbox and unusually comprehensive history give this GT considerably more background than most, while the documented Heritage bodyshell restoration provides an important foundation to the car we see today. The car qualifies for Historic Vehicle road tax and ULEZ exemption and, despite also being MOT exempt, will be supplied with a fresh MOT, our 3-month major mechanical warranty and a vehicle history certificate confirming no outstanding finance or recorded insurance loss. We recommend the use of premium unleaded E5 fuel.

RFH Classics are Bedfordshire’s largest independent classic car dealer, with over 35 years’ experience supplying quality vehicles to customers throughout the UK. Unable to visit us? UK delivery is available and we can also assist with export where required. A detailed walk-around video of the car can be viewed on our website. To find out more or arrange a viewing, contact RFH Classics today. Visitors are always welcome to our Bedfordshire showroom, although we kindly ask that you call us first as we can occasionally be off-site collecting or delivering vehicles.

Call: 01462 338755
Email: sales@rfhclassics.co.uk
Website: www.rfhclassics.co.uk